Primary or metastatic tumour ulcers of the skin are often
associated with purulent necrosis and increasing malodour. Bad smelling
necrotic ulcers in cancer patients are of major concern as it leads to
social isolation and poor quality of life. Current medications and
topical therapies have proven inadequate in their ability to reduce foul
smell to acceptable levels.

The study observed not only an antibacterial effect but also an
anti-inflammatory effect. The topical use of the oils promoted a small
degree of re-epitheliazation of neoplastic facial ulcers, improving the
aesthetic appearance of the patient.

Some patients experienced pain relief after application of the
oils, indicating that there may be some anesthetic properties associated
with the mixture. Others reported a sensation of cold on the skin and
mucous membranes, a probable reaction with peripheral nerve receptors.
Some patients report a burning sensation in the first seconds of oil
application which resolved within the first minute. No allergic
reactions were observed in the 30 patients.

One patient described had a significant reduction in pus formation
and a complete resolution of the smell within 2 weeks of the essential
oil regimen. After 6 weeks the fistula had completely closed.
Unfortunately the tumour growth continued and by the eighth week it had
grown along the path of the former fistula to the skin surface. Despite
this, the new fistula did not become superinfected and the offensive
smell did not recur.

The study recommends a two fold strategy for supurative cancer
ulcers; in addition to a 5-10 day course of systemic antibiotic cover,
the ulcers should be rinsed with 5 mL of the eucalyptus based oil
mixture twice daily. The essential oils appear to have low toxicity and
great efficacy in reducing the morbidity associated with ulcerating
neoplastic ulcers of the face.